How do I upgrade the Blood of Lathander in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Blood of Lathander is one of the most powerful and iconic items in Baldur's Gate 3, and upgrading it can significantly enhance its effectiveness. This legendary mace is tied to the Githyanki Creche questline and is found in the Rosymorn Monastery. While the Blood of Lathander itself cannot be upgraded in the traditional sense, there are ways to maximize its potential and ensure it remains a valuable asset throughout your playthrough. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to make the most of this weapon.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss how to obtain the Blood of Lathander. The mace is located in the Rosymorn Monastery, which you can access during Act 1. To reach it, you need to solve a series of puzzles and navigate through the monasteryÔÇÖs ruins. The key to obtaining the mace lies in the DawnmasterÔÇÖs Crest, a special item found in the monastery. Without this crest, attempting to take the mace will trigger a deadly trap. The DawnmasterÔÇÖs Crest is located in a hidden room behind a painting in the monasteryÔÇÖs main hall. Once you have the crest, you can safely retrieve the Blood of Lathander from its pedestal in the inner sanctum.

Now, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of the Blood of Lathander. This mace is a +3 weapon, which means it has a significant bonus to attack and damage rolls. It also deals radiant damage, making it particularly effective against undead and fiends. The mace has a unique ability called LathanderÔÇÖs Blessing, which allows the wielder to cast Sunbeam once per long rest. Sunbeam is a powerful area-of-effect spell that deals radiant damage and blinds enemies. Additionally, the mace provides a passive aura that prevents the wielder from being blinded and grants advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Blood of Lathander, you should consider the following strategies. First, ensure that the character wielding the mace has a high Strength score, as this will increase their chance to hit and the damage they deal. If youÔÇÖre playing a class that doesnÔÇÖt typically use Strength, such as a Wizard or Sorcerer, you might want to consider giving the mace to a companion like LaeÔÇÖzel or Karlach, who are naturally strong and can make the most of its melee capabilities.

In combat, the Blood of Lathander shines against enemies vulnerable to radiant damage. Use the Sunbeam ability strategically to target groups of enemies, especially in tight spaces where the blinding effect can disrupt their attacks. The passive aura is also invaluable in fights against enemies that rely on fear or blindness effects, such as certain undead or fiends.

One common mistake to avoid is attempting to take the Blood of Lathander without the DawnmasterÔÇÖs Crest. Doing so will trigger a trap that can easily wipe out your party. Always ensure you have the crest before attempting to retrieve the mace. Additionally, be mindful of the maceÔÇÖs weight and the encumbrance rules in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. Carrying too much weight can slow your character down, so make sure to manage your inventory effectively.

Advanced techniques for using the Blood of Lathander include combining it with other abilities and spells that enhance radiant damage or provide additional crowd control. For example, a Cleric or Paladin can use their class abilities to further boost the maceÔÇÖs effectiveness. Spells like Bless or Divine Favor can increase your attack rolls and damage output, making the Blood of Lathander even more deadly.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Blood of Lathander is a powerful example of a legendary weapon. Its +3 bonus and unique abilities make it a standout item, and its radiant damage aligns with the thematic elements of Lathander, the god of dawn and renewal. The maceÔÇÖs abilities are balanced by its limited use of Sunbeam, which encourages strategic use rather than spamming the ability in every encounter.

Specific examples of scenarios where the Blood of Lathander excels include battles against undead hordes, such as those found in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, or against fiends like demons and devils. In these situations, the maceÔÇÖs radiant damage and Sunbeam ability can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Additionally, the passive aura can be a lifesaver in encounters with enemies that rely on fear or blindness effects, such as certain bosses or high-level spellcasters.

In conclusion, while the Blood of Lathander cannot be upgraded in the traditional sense, there are many ways to maximize its potential. By obtaining the DawnmasterÔÇÖs Crest, strategically using its abilities, and pairing it with complementary spells and abilities, you can ensure that this legendary mace remains a powerful asset throughout your journey in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. Whether youÔÇÖre facing undead, fiends, or other formidable foes, the Blood of Lathander will shine as a beacon of hope and destruction.